Synonyms of contravene

contravene

verb

ˌkän-trə-ˈvēn 

as in to violate

to fail to keep

the unauthorized reproduction of the image contravenes copyright laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• break
• breach
• transgress
• offend
• infringe (on or upon)
• fracture
• disobey
• ignore
• flout
• traduce
• disregard
• rebel
• resist
• neglect
• overlook
• dismiss
• pass over
• slight
• defy
• withstand
• blow off
• tune out
• brush (off)
• wink (at)
• scorn
• shrug off
• pooh
• overpass
• pooh-pooh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follow
• obey
• observe
• comply (with)
• conform (to)
• serve
• mind
• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• hear
• listen (to)
• notice
• regard
• attend
• watch
• mark
• surrender (to)
• note
• defer (to)
• heed

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contravene

Three plaintiffs claimed that anti-Chinese legislation was discriminatory, violated constitutional protections prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure, and contravened due process and equal protection guarantees. —Rick Baldoz, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025

The statute leaves no role for agencies to 'assess citizenship,' and the president lacks any lawful authority to contravene the NVRA by requiring agencies to do so. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025

Even sympathetic lawmakers and judges understand that this approach not only could be measured in bloodshed, but contravenes the wishes of the constitutional framers, who did not in fact create an absolute and unabridged right for anyone anywhere to purchase weapons of war. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025

In the first case, DC Gambling Recovery LLC (the plaintiff) alleges that the law legalizing sports betting in the district contravenes federal law. —David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025